Tampa Adds Two More Left: Ernie Sims Right: Kevin Smith (Source: AP File Photo) By Pat Yasinskas TAMPA BAY -- The Buccanneers have been quite active since the start of the GM League's trading period a little more than 24 hours ago. In that time GM Vengeful Odin has made a number of moves, including shipping veteran Ronde Barber to division rival Carolina, as well as trading Jeremy Zuttah to the Miami Dolphins. Those moves, however, were just a warm up act for round two. ESPN has learned that Tampa Bay acquired Ernie Sims and Kevin Smith for Davin Joseph, Sabby Piscatelli, Elbert Mack, and a pair of draft choices late yesterday evening. The trade caps what we are told was a busy day for the Bucs organization. The move constitutes a homecoming of sorts for Sims and Smith. Sims, born in Tallahasee, originally played for the Florida State Seminoles from 2003 to 2005. Ironically, the player that replaced Sims at Florida State, Geno Hayes, is a member of the Tampa Bay roster. Smith, raised in Miami, played for the University of Central Florida, helping the Knights reach two bowl games in three years. Sims clouds the linebacker picture for the Bucs, who have Hayes, Barrett Ruud, and Quincy Black already on the roster. Tampa is expected to continue to employ their vaunted Cover 2, which menas that one of these players will seemingly find themselves on the bench. Smith is expected to start the year as the team's primary backup while still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He is expected to eventually take over the starting role from Cadillac Williams, as he has the right combination of speed, power, and hands that Offensive Cooridinator Norv Turner likes in his backs. Tampa Bay gave up two draft selections, a second and sixth rounder in the deal, as well as three players, including 2008 Pro Bowler Davin Joseph. Starting safety Sabby Piscatelli was also jettisoned, along with fellow secondary mate Elbert Mack. Mack was rumored to be on his way out the door after a run-in with new defensive cooridinator Darren Perry last week. Both Joseph and Piscatelli had been rumored to be a part of previous trade negotiations. It is anticipated that this moves caps the trading period for the Bucs, who are expected to be active in both free agency as well as the draft. Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth
